Vending machine



March 8, '1932. $01055, 1,848,836

' VENDING MACHINE Filed Oct. 2, 1928 s She ets-S heet 4 INVENTOR. Samuel D. Poleen ATQTORNEY s D. P OLSEN VENDING MACHINE March 8, 1932.

Filed Oct. 2, 1928 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Patented Mar. 8, 1932 PATENT OFFICE SAMUEL D. POLSEN, OF BBIDGEPORT, CONNECTICUT VENDING MACHINE Application filed October 2, 1928. Serial No. 309,748.

This invention relates to new and useful improvements in vending machines.

An object of the inventionjis to provide a the vended means whereby as part of its cycle of operation, it mixes the liquid before delivering each portion, which is preferably a predetermined amount, to the operator.

An additionalobject'is to provide a liquid vending machine which upon the-insertion of a proper coin, check, token or the like, op-

: crates first to mix the stock of liquid and then 120 dispense a predetermined quantity thereof. A'further object is to provide a vending machine wherein the proper coin, check, token or the like upon insertion into the machine, forms part of an electric circuit and closes i such circuit whereby to set inoperation a motor which puts the machine through a complete vending operation, the coin, check or the like moving to break the circuit during the return of the parts'to normal position.

1 An additional object is to provide improved means for connecting and disconnecting the parts to the motor drive during the 1; mixingand dispensing operation.

A still further object is to provide an iin proved measuring means or cup whereby an exact quantity of liquid is dispensed at each operation.- I

Another object is to provide a vending machine including a receptacle and adipper or a measuring cup which cooperate in "enablingthe machine to dispense nearly the last drop;

' uring cup or dipper, attached;

detail elevationlshowing the mo of liquid in'the receptacle.

A further obiect is to provide .avending' machine'wherein-the necessary coin,

part of the" check,

token or the like closes and forms parts of a motor circuit.

With the foregoing and other objects in view as will become more apparent as the description proceeds, the invention consists in 65 certain novel features of construction, combination and arrangement of parts as will be hereinafter more fully described and more particularly pointed out in the claims hereunto annexed.

While in the accompanying drawings, and in the. following description, .the invention will be considered in a detailed manner, it is to be understood that this is for the purpose of a complete disclosure and that changes may well be made within the scope of the accompanying claims to which reference must be had for a definition of the limitations of the invention.

In said drawings 2- Fig. 1 is a front elevation of my improved vending machine, the parts being shown in their position of rest and the lower portion of the receptacle being broken away; t

Fig. 2 is a side elevational view, the receptacle being shown in section, the view showing the location of the measuring cup in the receptacle; 1

Fig. 3 is a front elevation showing the position of the parts immediately before the mixing operation;

Fig. 4 is a view at right angles to-Fig. 3 the receptacle being shown in section;

Fig. 5 is a front elevation showing the parts in the dispensing position;

Fig. 6 is a view at right angles to Fig. 5, the receptacle being shown in section;

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary detail view showing the means for. securing the measuring cup or dipper to the driving chain; Fig. 8 is a plan view of Fig. 7;

' i Fig. 9 is a detail elevational view showing the tripping means for unlatching the securing means shown in Figs. 7 and 8; .Fig. 10 is a plan view of Fig. 9;

Fig. 11 is a perspectiveview of the meas Y .Fig. 12 is-a coin slot and circuitpqntrol;

Fig. 13 is an elevational view looking from the right in Fig. 12;

Fig. 14 is a view partly in section and showing the parts in plan with the coin slot removed;

Fig. 15 is a plan view of the parts shown in Fig. 12.

In the following specification, wherever the words coin, check, token or any similar word or words are used, it is to be understood that each of these words is to be considered as synonymous and is used to describe any coin, or check, or token or slug or other thing designed to operate the machine.

Referring in detail to the drawings, and particularly to Figs. 1 through 6, the numeral 1 indicates the container or receptacle for the liquid to be dispensed, said receptacle also forming the base-of my vending :nachine. Thejrecentacle is provided with a removable cover 2 on which is mounted the vending apparatus, so as to be removable with the cover for application to other receptacles.

Receptacle 1 is provided with carrying handles 3 through which are hooked securing members 4 which at their upper ends are provided with spring pressed hook portions 5 for engaging and securing the cover to the receptacle. A spout 6 is carried by the cover 2 and extends through its wall. At the inner end of the spout is provided a tripping memher 7 whose purpose will later be more fully described.

As a means for supporting the operating parts, a frame 8 is mounted on the cover. This frame comprises mounting pieces or feet 9, u per and iower cross pieces 10 and 11 and our vertical rods or bars 12, 13, 14 and 15. The number of parts in the frame is not material and it is not intended to limit the invention to any particular frame or other supporting structure.

Arranged between the vertical rods or bars 13 and 14 and having openings through which said rods pass to form guides. is a cross-piece 16 rigidly secured to a rod 17 extending through the cover 2. This rod 17 is connected at its lower end to the bail 18 of a dipper or measuring cup 19 of the construction and operation of which a complete description will later be given.

Cross-piece 16 is connected to rod 17 by means of a screw or key 20 operating in a slot or key-way 21 in the rod. This construction serves to preventthe rod turning relative to the cross-piece. A bearing 22 for rod 17 is disposed on rods 13' and 14 in much the same manner as cross-piece 16. That is, the bearing includes a cross-piece 23 extending between and having openings through which the rods pass.

5 slidable vertically betweenthe rods 13 and through the rod 17 at about the cream-line when the machine is being used to vend milk. This pin engages the bearing 22 and elevates it during upward movement of rod 17 and cup 19.

Secured to or formed integral with the cross-piece 16 is a collar 25 to which is secured one end of a chain 26, the chain extending up over a pulley 27 and being se cured at its other end to a counter weight 28 slidably mounted on rod 12. Counter weight 28 acts to slow up the movement of the measuring cup 19 on its descent and if desired additional weights 29 may be added. This weight also serves to help steady the movement of the cup 19 during the upward movement of the parts.

My vending machine is adapted to be placed in operation by the insertion of a proper coin and this coin closes the circuit to an electric motor which operates the machine. For the purpose of supporting an electric motor 30 and a gear casing 31, the cross-piece or bar 11 is provided with a lateral extension 11 extending partially around the upper surface of the motor and to which is secured a curved plate 32 disposed against the under side of the motor.

Through suitable gearing in the casing 31 the motor 30 drives a sprocket wheel 33' about which is disposed a sprocket chain 34 also running over a sprocket Wheel 35 disposed above the top cross-piece or bar 10 and supported therefrom.

Suitable means are provided for connecting and disconnecting the rod 17 to the chain 34 for the purpose of operating the dipper 19. To this end the cross-piece 16 is provided with an extension 36 carrying a block 37. The said block is provided with an opening 38 (Fig. 7) through which one side of chain 34passes. A latch 39 is pivotally mounted as at 40 in the block 37 and this latch has a nib or finger portion 41 which enters a link of chain 34 for the purpose of releasably securing the rod 17 and dipper 19 to the chain.

A spring pressed piece 42 carried by the latch 39 engages the block 37 to hold the latch against casual displacement. For the purpose of preventing too great movement of the latch 39 about its pivot, a stop arm 43 is provided, and is carried by block 37. A spring pressed buffer 44 is arranged on the cross-piece 11 and in vertical alignment with. a rear extension 45 of the latch 39. The function of this buffer will later be set forth.

Secured to the rod 15 by a set-screw 46 is a tripping mechanism 47 for releasing the serves to move the ried by dog 53 serves to maintain the dog in 1) normal position ready for action.

As will be clear from a comparison of Figs. p 9 and 10 the tripping mechanism is mounted,

on a support including a substantially U- shaped part 56. Ratchet 48 is supported between the arms of this member on a short shaft 57 while dog 53 is similarly supported on .a pin 58.

Supported on rod 15 above the tripping mechanism 47 is a coin receiving and circuit controlling means 59. This means is secured by means of a set-screw and comprises a hollow block 61 within which is disposed a block of insulating material 62. Within a slot 63 in this material is disposed a" pair of spaced contact fingers 64 (Figs. 12 and 14) connected with cables 65 and 66 one of which leads to motor 30 and the other of which leads to any source of current. As shown, these cables are bound within a sheath 67. v

A block 68 having a coin receiving opening 69 is secured to the upper side of block 61. A slot 70 leads from opening 69 and istflliied upon itself as clearly shown to prevent withdrawal of a coin once it is inserted and also to prevent tampering with the contacts 64. On the underside of block 61 and secured in any suitable manner is a coin re- 1 ceptacle 71.

i moved against the siliency Head 74 of pin or rod A rod 72 passes through the insulation 62 i in line with the slot 63 and is secured to one of the contacts 64. The contact has some reof its own and for the purpose of keeping the rod extended andthe contact in normal position, a coil spring 73 is provided. 72 is formed of or covered with insulating material. Mounted on a shaft 75 and disposed within a slot 76 in the front wall of the block 61 is an operating means'for the rod 72. This-means comprises a hub portion 77 having a flat side 78 and also comprises an operating or contacting extension 79. r

A spring 80 (Figs. 12 and 14) maintains the operating means in the position shown in Fig. 12. On this means being swung about its pivot 75 due to pressure being applied tothe upper side of extension 79, the rod 7 2.is action of spring 80 and one of the contacts 64 moved away'from the other. The coin 81 on leavingthe block68 engages both contacts 64 and closes the circuit between them. When pressure is aplied to extension 79 as above described, one

1 of the contacts is moved a distance suflicient to permit the coin to drop into the receptacle or coin receiver 71.

My improved dipper or measuring cup 19 constitutes a feature of the invention. The

-cup includes a receptacle portion 82 of a size to hold a predetermined quantity of A liquid. Considerable difiiculty was experithen it will'hold a slight additional amount which will stand above the edge of the receptacle. I avoid this result and prevent this action by partially covering the top of the receptacle as by plates 83. Between these plates is a pouring spout 84 and on the plates are dtrunnions 85 to which the bail 18 is pivote The collar portion 25 of the cross-piece 16 .is hollow about the rod 17. Disposed about the upper end of this rod is a coil spring" 86 having one end disposed in said hollow and bearing against the cross-piece 16 and having its other end disposed against a pin or the like 87.

In the operation of the device the parts are normally in the relative positions shown in Figs. 1 and 2. On the insertion of a suitable coin, check, token or the like 81 into the opening 69, the coin passes through slot 70 to the position shown in Fig. 12 where it is positioned to close the circuit between the contacts 64 and to the motor. The latch 39 is securing the cross-piece 16 to the chain and as the chain is driven by the motor the parts including the cup 19 move upwardly.

At a point in this upward movement de pending on the location of the tripping mechanism 47 on rod 15, the part 36 engages the dog .53 and operates the same to bring a long This tripping operation is for the purpose of mixing the contents of receptacle 1 and at the time of tripping the parts are in the relative positions shown in Figs. 3 and 4.

Here the extension 45 is shown as held down by engagement with one of the long arms 49 of the ratchet 48.

When the extension 45 comes into contact 130 with the spring bufier 44, the latch 39 is Due to their welght,

moved in the opposite direction and its nib portion again enters a link of the chain 34 which is now being driven. Thus the mechanism is again secured to the chain and moves upwardly with it. This time when the part 36 strikes the dog 53, the ratchet is moved into the position shown in Fig. 9 and extension 45 passes without touching the ratchet.

The parts continue upwardly, being drawn by the chain and when the upper end of rod 17 strikes the upper cross piece (Figs. 5 and 6) the cup 19 is pouring its contents into the spout 6. This occurs owing to the swinging-of the cupl9 on its trunnions 85 when its spout 84 engages the tripping member 7 during upward movement of the cup.

After the rod 17 engages the piece 10, the chain continues its upward pull, raising crosspiece 16 and attached parts against the action of spring 86, the key and key way 20 and 21 respectively providing for this n ward movement independently of the rod 1 and against the action of the spring 86. When the spring 86 offers sufficient resistance, the chain pulling onthe nib 41 overcomes the action of the spring pressed piece 42 and swings the latch 39 about its pivot releasing it from the chain and permitting the parts to move downward- 1y. A slight pause occurs in the operation of cup 19 during the compression of spring 86 as above described and during the pause, the cup empties into the spout 6.

While the parts are moving upwardly, contact with extension 79 produces no result. However, after the dispensing operation has taken place and the latch 39 has been released from the chain 34, part 36 in its downward movement engages the top of extension 79 operating the same as before described to move pin 7 2 and release coin 81 breaking the circuit to the motor 30. The parts continue to gravitate downwardly, extension 45 striking butter 44 and reengaging nib 41 with the chain ready for the next operation when a coin is again inserted in slot 69.

In connection with the .question of vending from the receptacle 1, attention is directed to the structure and configuration of its bottom. It will be noted that such bottom is formed with a depression located to receive the dipper in the inoperative position of the latter. (see Fig. 2). Owing to this arrangement it is possible to dispense nearly the last drop of the contents of the receptacle.

Having thus described my invention what I claim is 1.- In a liquid vending machine, a receptacle for the liquid, an endless chain mounted above the receptacle, means for driving said chain, a dipper operating in said receptacle, a rod connected to the dipper and extending out of the receptacle and means for connecting said rod to said chain for the purpose of dispensing a portion of the contents of said receptacle.

2. In a liquid vending machine, a receptacle for the liquid, a chain mounted above the receptacle, means for moving the chain, a dipper operating in the receptacle, means connected to saidcdipper and extending out of the receptacle, and means for connecting said means to the chain for the purpose of dispensing a portion of the contents of the receptacle.

3. In a liquid vending machine, a receptacle for the liquid, an endless chain mounted above the receptacle, means for driving the chain, a dipper operating in the receptacle, means connected to the dipper and extending out of the receptacle and means for connecting said means to the chain for the purpose of dispensing a portion of the contents of the receptacle.

4. In a liquid vending machine, a receptacle for the liquid, a chain mounted above the receptacle, means for moving the chain, a dipper operating in the receptacle, means for connecting the dipper to the chain for the purpose of dispensing a portion of the contents of the receptacle, and said means becoming disconnected from the chain at the end of said dispensing operation.

5. A device as in claim 4 including means for reconnecting said connecting means with the chain at the end of the dispensing operation.

6. In a liquid vending machine, a receptacle for the liquid, an endless chain mounted vertically above the receptacle, means for driving said chain, a dipper operating in said receptacle, means for connecting said dipper with the upwardly moving side of said chain, and means to disconnect said connecting means from the chain after the dipper has been elevated a predetermined distance whereby the dipper will fall back into the contents of the receptacle and serve to mix said contents.

said connecting means from the chain after the dipper has been elevated a predetermined distance whereby the dipper will fall back in said receptacle mixing the contents thereof, means for again connecting said connecting means with said chain. and said connecting means on its second upward movement moving the releasing means to inoperative position whereby the dipper is'carried on up to dispensing position.

8. A vending machine as in claim 7, the

releasing means including a ratchet having 7 long and short arms, and said ratchet being so arranged that its long arm is in the path- 7 of movement of said connecting means on its cle for the liquid, an endless chain mounted above said receptacle,

an electric motor for driving said chain, a dipper operating in said receptacle, means for connecting said dipper to the chain-whereby the dipper is moved to dispensing position, means for disconnecting the connecting means from the chain,"-means controlling the circuit to said electric motor, and said controlling means arranged to be operated by said connecting means to break the circuit to the motor.

10. A machine as in claim 9, the circuit controlling means being operated by said connecting means after said connecting means is disconnected from the chain.

11. In a liquid vending machine, in combination with a receptacle for the liquid, a dipper operating in elevate the dipper, means to release the dipper from said means to permit the dipper to drop to mix the contents of the receptacle,

ond guide and bearing on the rod reaching extendin out and said first means then operating to elevate the dipper to dispensing position.

12. In an electric motor driven liquid vending machine, a receptacle for the liquid, a dipper operating in the receptacle, means operated by the motor to elevate the dipper, means to release the dipper from said means to permit the dipper to drop to mix the contents of the receptacle, operating to elevate the dip er to dispensing position and maintain it there for a 'brief pause and then again dropping it.

.13. In an electric motor operated liquid vending machine, a receptacle for the liquid, a dipper operating in the receptacle, means operated by the motor to elevate the dipper, means to release the dipper from said means to permit the dipper to drop to mix the contents of the receptacle, said first means then operating to elevate the dipper to dispensing position and maintain it there for a brief pause and to then again drop it, and means breaking the circuit-to said motor on said dipper being released the'second time.

14. In a liquid vending machine, a receptacle for the liquid, a pair of vertical rods supported above the receptacle, a guide on-said pair of rods, a rod connected with said guide and extending into said receptacle and having a measuring cup connected with it within the receptacle, a secdnd guide on said pair of rods and including a bearing normally closing the-opening in the recepta cle through which the rod works and ser ing tosteady the rod as it manipulates the measuring cup, said rod carrying a projection adapted to engage and elevate the seea predetermined position, and means connected with the first guide and adapted to move the same to move the rod cup.-

said receptacle, means to J said first means then 15. In a vending machine, a guide, a rod entering the guide, a pin securing the rod to the guide against turning movement, and spring means on the rod ermittin ioned endwise movement oi the giii "e.

16. In a liquid vending machine, a dispensing cup, a rod connected with said-cup a guide, means connecting the rod and guide, and a chain connected to the guide and adapted to be manipulated to move the guide to operate the dispensing cup.

17. In aliquid vending machine, a receptacle for the liquid, a dipper operating in the receptacle, an operating means for the dipper, means for connecting the dipper to the operating means for the purpose of dispensing a portion of the contents of the receptacle, and nected from the operating means at the end of each dispensing operation.

'18. In a liquid vending machine, a recaptacle for the liquid, a dipper operating in. the receptacle, an elevating means for the dipper, means for connecting the dipper with the elevating means, and means to disconnect said connecting means from the elevating means afterthe dipper has been elevated a pre-determined distance whereby the dipper will fallback into the contents of the receptacle and serve to mix said contents.

19. In a liquid vending machine including a receptacle for the liquid, an elevating means, a dipper operating in said receptacle, means for connecting said dipper with the elevating means, means for disconnecting sai connecting means from the elevating means after the dipper has been elevated a predetermined distance whereby the dipper will fall back into the receptacle mixing the contents thereof, means for again connecting said connecting means with the elevating means, and said connecting means on its second upward movement moving the releasing means to inoperative position whereby the dipper is carried on-up to dispensing position.

20. A measuring cup for use ina vending machine, the same comprising a body including side walls, plates partially closing one end of said measuring cup and extending to ward each other from said side walls, and a pouring spout occupying the space between the opposed ends of said plates.

21. The combination asin claim 19 including means for moving the. releasing means to operative positionafter the completion of the dispensing operation.

22. In a liquid vending machine, a receptacle for the liquid, a carrier operating in the receptacle, an elevator operating above the receptacle, means secured to the carrier of the receptacle, means to secure the said means to the elevator, and means to release the said means from the elecushsaid'means becoming discondloo vator after the elevator has moved said means a predetermined distance. r

23. In a liquid vending machlne, a receptacle for the liquid, a carrier operat ng in the receptacle, an endless chain operating above the receptacle, a rod secured to the carrier and extending out of the receptacle, means including a movably mounted nib on sa1d rod, and said nib adapted to move relative to the rod to enter a link in said endless chain to connect the carrier with the chain.

24. In a liquid vending machine, a receptacle for the liquid, a carrier operating in the receptacle, an .endless chain operating above the receptacle, a rod secured to the carrier and extending out of the receptacle, means on the rod through which the endless chain asses, and movable means on said means or entering a link of the chain within saidfirst means to connect the carrier to the chain.

25. In a liquid vending machine, a receptacle for the liquid, a closure for the receptacle a pair of vertical rods supported above the receptacle on the closure thereof, a gulde on said pair of rods, a rod connected with said guide and extending into said receptacle, a dipper connected to said rod within the receptacle, an elevator supported above the receptacle on the closure thereof, and means to connect said guide with said elevator whereby tooperate the dipper.

26. The combination as in claim 14 including a counterweight connected to the first of said guides.

27. In a liquid vending machine, a receptacle for the liquid, a removable cover for. said receptacle, a dipper operating in the receptacle, means secured to the dipper and extending outwardly of the receptacle through said cover, an elevator supported on said cover, means to drive the elevator, said means supported on the cover, and means to connect said means secured to the dipper to the ele- I vator whereby the dipper will be operated by the elevator.

28. In a .liquid vending machine, a receptacle for the liquid, a removable cover for said receptacle, a dipper operating in the receptacle, means secured to the dipper and extending outwardly of the receptacle through said cover, an endless chain supported on the cover, means to drive the chain, said means supported on the cover, and means including means to pass through a link in said chain to attach the means ,secured to the dipper to the chain whereby the dipper will be operated by the chain.

29. In a liquid vending machine, a receptacle for the liquid, a removable cover for said receptacle, a dipper operating in the receptacle, means secured to the dipper and extending outwardly of the receptacle through said cover, an endless chain supported on the cover, means to drive the chain, said means supported from the cover, means including means to pass through a link in said chain to attach the means secured to the dipper to the chain, and means to disconnect said attaching means from the chain at the end of each dispensing operation.

30. The combination as in claim 29 including means to re-attaeh said attaching means to the chain.

31. In a liquid vending machine, a receptacle for the liquid, an elevator, a dipper operating in said receptacle, means for connectting said dipper to the elevator whereby the dipper is moved to dispensing position, and means for disconnecting the connecting means from the elevator during each dispensing operation to have the dipper mix the contents of the receptacle.

32. In a motor driven liquid vending machine, a receptacle for the liquid, an elevator, a dipper operating in said receptacle, means for connecting said dipper to the elevator whereby the dipper is moved to dispensing position, means for disconnecting the connecting means from the elevator, means controlling a circuit to the motor and means arranged to operate said means to break the circuit to the motor at the end of the dispensing operation.

Signed at Bridgeport, in the county of Fairfield,.and State of Connecticut, this 30th day of August, A. D. 1928.

SAMUEL D. POLSEN. 

